Ahead of Police Week and during Mental Health Awareness Month, Durbin pledges support for local law enforcement
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, met virtually with Chief Jeri Williams, President of the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA). During their meeting, Durbin and Williams discussed the challenges of officer recruitment and retention, particularly with regards to mental health assistance. Durbin and Williams also discussed the importance of confirming federal law enforcement positions to aid state and local officers.
“The trauma that our law enforcement officers face while combatting violence in our communities is very real,” said Durbin. “Violent crime must be addressed with an all-hands-on-deck approach. That is why, as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I intend to bring up bipartisan legislation in Committee during Police Week to support funding for community policing and law enforcement officer mental health resources. I look forward to moving these important initiatives forward.”
A photo of the meeting is available here.
-30-